South Korean Teachers Hesitant on Field Trips Despite Presidential Push for Safety and Expansion

President Lee Jae-myung's call to revitalize school field trips and excursions reflects a desire to restore valuable educational experiences that have been curtailed by safety concerns. His analogy, "If you're afraid of maggots, you shouldn't get rid of the pickle jar," aptly captures the sentiment that the fear of isolated incidents should not lead to the abandonment of beneficial activities.

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You can't get rid of the pickle jar because you're afraid of maggots.

However, the president's proposed solutions – increasing safety personnel or volunteer support – do not address the core issue that deeply troubles educators. As highlighted by the Korean Teachers and Education Workers' Union (KTU), the fundamental problem lies in the disproportionate legal and criminal responsibility placed upon teachers. The fear of facing charges like professional negligence resulting in death or injury, as seen in past tragic cases, creates a climate of anxiety that deters participation.

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If there are problems with group classes and activities like picnics or school trips, correct them, and if it's a safety issue, provide funding to reinforce safety personnel, or if teachers are burdened with their lessons or management, hire additional staff to accompany them. You can also ask citizens for cooperation as volunteers.

The Korean Teachers' Union and the Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations echo this sentiment, emphasizing that the legal burden on teachers is the primary reason for the decline in field trips. They argue that without adequate legal protection, teachers will continue to avoid these activities, effectively denying students crucial learning opportunities. The unions are demanding that charges of professional negligence not be applied to teachers in cases of unpredictable accidents during educational activities.

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The biggest reason why field trips are shrinking in schools is not the presence or absence of safety personnel or volunteers.

While the Ministry of Education has stated it is preparing measures to reduce the burden on teachers and enhance their legal immunity, the urgency and depth of the teachers' concerns suggest that a more robust legal framework is required. The unique perspective from South Korea is that this is not merely an administrative issue but a deeply felt concern about the professional well-being and legal security of teachers, which directly impacts the quality and breadth of education offered to students.

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The reality is that teachers are held criminally responsible, and it's not just about losing their jobs but becoming criminals.